Man arrested in theft of $40,000 in cigarettes

Police have arrested a West Valley City man suspected of stealing more than $40,000 in cigarettes during supermarket burglaries.

The 53-year-old man was arrested Tuesday morning in his home, said Orem police Lt. Gary Downey. Police released information about the case to the media in June, and received an anonymous tip that broke the case, he said. The man has a history of drug and weapons possession charges.

The burglar hit at least eight Albertson's grocery stores in Utah and Salt Lake counties starting in April, Downey said. He typically broke in through the front doors, favored Camel and Marlboro brands, and was likely selling the smokes, Downey said.

The Salt Lake Tribune